Leaving soon for Bundaberg!!

We left the marina yesterday after having cleared Customs, etc. early in the morning. We set off early on foot before 7 and first of all had a last coffee and croissant at the market and said goodbye to our friends at the coffee bar. Then we walked (about 3 kms) to Customs at the commercial port but were there 20 mins before they opened. Formalities were soon completed however and then it was on to Immigration - almost next door. Filled out our departure cards (just like getting on an aeroplane!) and then another k or so to the Port Captain (Harbourmaster) who gives final permission to depart. We had a very pleasant chat with him. He spoke excellent English and wished us well.
Then eventually back to the boat via the supermarket and the duty free store. We had had our eye on some Laphroaig but were very disappointed to find that it was all gone. Typical of this place again because they looked mildly surprised that there was none in stock. They said there had been a few cruise ships in port but they know when these ships come in. Why don't they buy some more???? Anyway, we bought another brand and then back to the boat via our favourite patisserie!!
We left the marina at noon by which time the wind was piping up as usual. We went across to the fuel dock for our duty free fuel (saving about NZD70) and got blown on to the dock - no problem, but getting off was another matter altogether. We eventually managed it but it was touch and go.
We had actually run out of fuel a couple of days before because we hadn't filled when we arrived back from our circumnavigation and we have had to run the engine to charge the batteries as our shore power connection isn't working. Unfortunately the regular electrician was on holiday and the guy we had told us we needed a new battery charger which we don't believe. However, we'll hopefully get it all sorted in Bundaberg. There is a service station 5 mins walk from the marina so we carried 40 litres back to the boat and put that into the tanks but then it was necessary to bleed the fuel system. That was easily dealt with however. At least running the tanks dry gave us a golden opportunity to find out the total capacity so after filling at the fuel dock and allowing for what we had already put in it appears that we carry 300 litres in the tanks. Additionally we carry 20 litres in 2 containers on deck. Enough for at least 700 miles.
Then as we exited through the marina entrance we were starting to get close to 30 knots of wind and just then one of the P & O cruise liners "Pacific Dawn" commenced its entry into the harbour. So we had to wait around stemming the wind until she had gone past when we eventually made our way across into Baie de l'Orphelinat and dropped anchor near the entrance to the Circle Nautique Marina. Here officially you are given 3 days after clearing before having to leave the territory but unofficially one could take even longer! Even then, it's just a matter of contacting Immigration and (usually) getting an extension.
So, we are getting the boat ready for sea and watching the weather. The wind is forecast to be ESE which is more or less behind us so what are we worried about?!! We just don't want to go out into 30 knots + from the beginning so we will see what happens this morning (it is now only 0800) and may well weigh anchor this afternoon and go.
Watch this space!!!
Cheers,
Jim and Gina

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